Roinn B Semi-final 2001On Thursday, 18th June 2001, we played the Roinn B semi-final in Nowlan Park against Thomastown. We knew we were going to be up against it, having already lost to them in the league. However, since we had a brilliant victory against Urlingford just three days before in Freshford, we were not without hope of causing an upset.Our team was: Diarmuid MolloyEdward Hogan Daniel Comerford William CuddihyRobert Murphy Marco Ruessman Bryan McPartlan Ml. Fagan John FaganPeter Nolan Darren Adams Philip RyanSean Tyrrell Kieran Carroll Martin GibbonsWe lost on a scoreline of 2-10 to 2-5. While the stronger and better team won, our hurlers showed great character and fighting spirit and pushed Thomastown to the limit. Many of our players put in fine displays, but none came close to the brilliance of our goalkeeper, Diarmuid Molloy. Time and time again, he showed wonderful skill and courage and inspired his team.Daniel Comerford capped off a great hurling year with another first class exhibition of full back play. He was well assisted by his corner men, Edward and William.Marco Ruessman, just back from foreign holidays, did a marvellous job in curtailing “John Joe”, the Thomastown marksman, for most of the game. Robert Murphy hurled a load of balls out of defence in the first half, and when moved to attack later in the game to add some power, he put in a huge effort. Bryan McPartlan had another first class performance, and along with the rest of the fifth class players, he must surely be looking forward to next year when we will have another go at the Roinn BIn midfield, the “terrific twins” put in another powerful performance. Michael and John have great hurling skill and energy, and, as they did all year, they again won their midfield battle.Darren Adams, the most improved hurler of the year, gave another courageous and inspiring effort in leading the attack. He was well assisted by two very skillful fifth class hurlers, Peter Nolan and defender turned attacker, Philip Ryan.Our young full forward line of Sean Tyrrell, Kieran Carroll and Martin Gibbons all tried manfully against older and stronger opponents and will, no doubt, learn from this experience and use that next year.Throughout the year many hurlers played on our A team and some were unlucky not to be on the semi-final team. Many of these subs are also in fifth class and will have more great hurling days next year.Vincent O Brien, Dean Woods, Keith Ryan, Eanna Walsh,Darren Guilfoyle, Kevin Maher, Philip Johnston, David RiceJohn Monaghan, Patrick Walsh, Stephen Dawson, Frank Campion, Thomas Hayes, Jonathon Holmes, Philip Murphy,Eoin King, Thomas Clifford, Noel Heavey, Enda Butler, Jamie Lyng.